Abstract:
The invention is a device for multi-band, multi-channel, wireless communications that automatically provides signal amplification when and where necessary, and that automatically avoids harmful interference to base stations and other parts of the communications infrastructure. The invention is a unique combination of an adjustable gain, bidirectional amplifier, a GPS receiver, a processor, and one or more removable, non-volatile, updatable memory devices. Alternatively, the memory can be an internal device accessible via an electronic port such as a USB. In either case, the memory stores comprehensive information that determines if, and how much, amplification is necessary at a particular location sensed by the GPS receiver. The device also includes a dedicated apparatus that permits a deactivation by remote control in the event of a malfunction.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/319,242 filed on Jan. 6, 2009. The entire teachings of the above application(s) are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to wireless communications boosters, including but not limited to cellular/PCS boosters, which automatically adjust their gain and reduce their interference by comparing their GPS derived positions with a collection of attributes stored in updatable electronic memories. The memories may be either removable, or non-removable with access via an electronic port. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Wireless communication networks are limited, with respect to range and coverage, by deterioration of signals to unacceptably weak levels. Indiscriminately boosting or amplifying signals by individual subscribers, however, causes interference that can render large portions of the network useless. Such interference causes harm to both the subscriber and the service provider. The subscriber loses the service that he or she originally hoped to enhance by signal boosting. The service provider loses revenue from unrealized connections and eventually from lost subscribers dissatisfied with poor service. What is needed is a communications booster that is sufficiently “smart” and foolproof to know when and where to amplify or not to amplify. 
     In particular, a smart communications booster must be able to sense where it is located with respect to geographic areas exhibiting strong or weak signal coverage. For example, in an area of strong coverage, a booster can cause overwhelming interference to base stations with an unnecessarily amplified signal. To prevent such interference, the smart booster must have continuous access to a coverage map so that it can compare its location with the known geographic areas of strong and weak coverage. Memory cards, which are essential parts of this invention, are the ideal way to provide a map. Further, such memory cards may be removable so that they can be revised or replaced as the areas of strong and weak coverage, and other attributes of the communications infrastructure, change over time. Alternatively, fixed memory devices inside a smart booster can be accessed from a port such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) so that they may be similarly revised. 
     Methods presently exist to compensate for the deterioration of signals, with little or no attention to the interference those methods may cause. In the case of cellular and PCS communications networks, for example, four such methods are: 1) the use of bi-directional amplifiers, or BDAs; 2) the construction of additional base stations or the extension of base stations in the form of distributed antenna systems; 3) end-user deployment of femtocells, picocells, and microcells; and 4) the use of private subscriber high gain antennas. 
     The above methods are straightforward in principle. BDAs boost both uplink and downlink signals, without regard to signal strength. Additional base stations can provide service at locations where coverage was not previously available. Femtocells extend coverage into small regions such as home interiors by transferring the wireless link to the Internet. Individual subscribers can attach special purpose antennas to their transceivers that provide signal gain. All of these approaches, however, have significant disadvantages. 
     BDAs boost both uplink and downlink signals whether the subscriber is located far away from or in close proximity to a base station. In the latter case, the boosted uplink signal overwhelms the base station, rendering it effectively inoperative Countless connections are dropped or never completed so long as the subscriber equipped with a BDA remains in close proximity and the base station is disrupted by excess signal strength. BDAs cannot sense their locations with respect to base stations. BDAs are completely uncontrolled by service providers, leaving those providers unprotected. They cannot be remotely controlled, and so an adversely affected service provider cannot switch them off. It follows that BDAs cause substantial loss of revenue to service providers. 
     To address the above problem with BDAs, there have been attempts to make them adaptive, that is, automatically adjustable with respect to how much signal amplification is applied. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,409,186 describes a booster which adjusts its output power according to the intensity of signals received from nearby base stations. However, these nearby base station signals may not actually emanate from the subscriber&#39;s service provider. This results in “false positives”, which cause incorrect adjustment of the BDA. Additionally, such adaptation is unable to recognize regulatory constraints placed upon network providers requiring them to operate solely in certain geographic markets. As a result, the device indiscriminately amplifies signals outside of a carrier&#39;s licensed geographic market, and infringes upon the markets of other carriers. 
     Additional cell sites are not practical in many cases, especially at the very locations where they might do the most good. In marginal areas with few subscribers, the capital expenditure for a complete base station cannot be justified. In residential areas, restrictive zoning and public opposition may prevent the construction of new base stations. 
     Femtocells. picocells, and microcells are fundamentally different from signal boosters, with respect to both design and operation. They create an alternative network, in contrast to boosting the signal of an existing network connection. Instead of routing communications to nearby cellular base stations, calls are instead intercepted by femtocell devices and re-routed to the Internet. Further interaction with the cellular network is accomplished via the Internet, not via a wireless connection to a base station. It should be noted that when the Internet connection fails, for example, during a natural disaster or other emergency, the femtocell also fails. Femtocells are not transparent to all users. They must recognize the users by prearrangement. Further, those users are limited in number, typically to four. In contrast, a signal booster has no such limitations. 
     Further, in contrast to signal boosters, femtocells, picocells, and microcells are fundamentally unsuited to mobile operation because they must be tethered to the Internet. So, except within the confines of a small region, such as a home interior, they are not suitable for mobile use. They are certainly not suitable for mobile stations inside of vehicles and other wide ranging platforms. 
     Customized antennas for individual subscribers are generally not practical. They are by definition expensive compared with mass produced antennas. They require specialized engineering knowledge by the subscriber. For optimal results, they require timely knowledge of the cellular or PCS network, and that knowledge might not be available to the public. Generally, customized antennas are large and must be carefully oriented, and so they are not suitable for mobile stations. They will likely interfere with new base stations constructed in their vicinity. Where such construction eliminates the need for customized antennas, those antennas may become a new source of interference. Again because of size or elevation on a tall tower, customized antennas may be prohibited by zoning restrictions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is an intelligent, or “smart”, communications booster for mobile stations, suitable for multi-band and multi-channel operation, including, but not limited to cellular and PCS (Personal Communication System) bands. It provides amplified signals where such signals would otherwise be weak and unusable, yet refrains from amplification when and where it is unnecessary and would cause harmful interference to base stations and other parts of the communications infrastructure. To achieve this, the invention is a unique and novel combination of a bidirectional amplifier with variable gain, a GPS receiver, a processor, one or more removable, updatable non-volatile memory devices, or an internal memory device accessible via an electronic port such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), and a dedicated telemetry deactivation apparatus, or “kill switch”. The bidirectional amplifier provides signal enhancement when needed. The GPS receiver senses the location of the booster. The processor and memory devices determine whether or not amplification is necessary based upon the sensed location. Further, the processor and memory determine which communications bands and channels are in use at the location, and provide amplification only for those bands and channels. Finally, the kill switch permits a service technician to remotely deactivate the booster in the event that it malfunctions, or for other purposes determined by the network provider. Thus, this invention overcomes the chief disadvantages of existing communications boosters, which are, the harmful interference caused by unnecessary amplification, and operation in violation of FCC and other regulations. 
     A unique feature of the invention is one or more removable and updatable memory cards, or alternatively, an internal memory that is accessible via an electronic port such as a USB. Thus, information about the location determined by the GPS receiver is kept current, ensuring that amplification is provided and interference is avoided, according to the most recent configuration of the communications infrastructure. Further, the memory devices include security provisions so that they cannot be pirated and can be issued only by authorized entities, such as a communications carrier provider. Finally, the memory devices include unique identifying information so that, in the case of malfunction, a service technician can remotely deactivate it. Deactivation commands may be recorded, and the cumulative record can be used to determine if a device recall is warranted. 
     In view of the above, it is therefore an object of the invention to automatically provide variable amplification of communications signals between mobile and base stations, or between fixed stations (such as a building) and network base stations, when such signals are otherwise too weak to be useable. 
     It is another object of the invention to automatically avoid amplification when it is unnecessary and would cause harmful interference to base stations and other parts of the communications infrastructure. 
     It is another object of the invention to use GPS (Global Positioning System) to automatically sense the location of the mobile station. 
     It is another object of the invention to use a processor plus memory to automatically evaluate the location in order to determine the necessity of signal amplification, and to further determine details relating to that amplification such as amplifier gain, and the particular part of the spectrum, that is, band and channel, to be amplified. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide one or more removable and updatable memory cards so that the latest configuration of the communications infrastructure is used to determine the need for amplification or for the avoidance of harmful interference. Alternatively, it is the object of the invention to provide an internal memory device that is accessible via an electronic port such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). 
     It is another object of the invention to provide security measures so that the memory cards cannot be pirated or used in a manner such that harmful interference would result to communications infrastructure. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide for remote deactivation by a service technician in the event of a malfunction. Further, it is the object of the invention to provide a cumulative record of deactivations to determine if a particular unit should be recalled for replacement or servicing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a block diagram view of a cellular booster with GPS base map, band-channel specific operation, and a dedicated telemetry apparatus for remote deactivation in the case of malfunction; 
         FIGS. 2A ,  2 C, and  2 D taken together are a flowchart view of a the software program required to operate the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a filter section of the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic view of a summing and power amplifier circuit of the preferred embodiment; and 
         FIGS. 6B ,  6 C,  6 D,  6 E,  6 G and  6 H taken together are a schematic view of a microcontroller circuit used in the preferred embodiment. For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the figures. 
     
    
    
     Note that some of the above figures are revisions of those that appear in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/319,242 filed on Jan. 6, 2009. In particular,  FIG. 1A  replaces  FIG. 1  in the original patent application. Similarly,  FIGS. 2C and 2D , taken together, replace  FIG. 2B .  FIG. 5A  replaces  FIG. 5 .  FIGS. 6G and 6H  replace  FIGS. 6A and 6F , respectively. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of the invention, showing a cellular booster amplifier coupled to a Global Positioning System receiver to provide geographic coordinates, and also coupled to a Memory  104  containing communications related attributes such as bands, channels, and proximity to base stations at those geographic coordinates. 
     A novel feature of the invention is its ability to sense its geographic location. This is accomplished using Global Positioning System (GPS) signals incident on the GPS Antenna  100 , which, in turn conducts those signals into the GPS Receiver  102 . The GPS Receiver  102  delivers data using a Decoder Bus  112  into a general purpose digital Processor  116 . Within the Processor  116 , a specialized Decoder  114  extracts the geographic location of the device, expressed as a pair of coordinates, i.e., latitude and longitude. These coordinates are compared with stored pairs in the Memory  104 , or Memory Bank  162  in the case that multiple memory cards are present, using the Latitude Bus  106  and Longitude Bus  108 . Along with each stored pair is a file of useful attributes for that location. An example of an attribute might be proximity to a communications tower or base station, the communications bands and channels in use at that location, or the presence of a distinctive structure such as a tunnel. These attributes are communicated from the Memory  104 , or Memory Bank  162  in the case that multiple memory cards are present, to the Processor  116  via the Attribute Bus  110 . So, the combined use of the GPS Receiver  102 , Processor  116 , and Memory  104  or Memory Bank  162  provides the invention with its unique ability to sense where it is located and what is unique and special about that location. 
     The invention also provides features relating to human factors which inform the user of its status and activities. These features are collectively displayed in the Indicators  144  component of the invention. The statuses of various device components are communicated via the Status Bus  118 , and are displayed as lights such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). These lights are concentrated or clustered in the Status Indicator  120 . Attributes of special interest are described as text, and these are communicated from the Processor  116  via the Text Bus  122  to the Attribute Display  124 . The Attribute Display  124  can be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or other type of legible display. 
     The main purpose for sensing the geographic location and related attributes is to selectively control the amplification of duplex communication signals using a Bidirectional Amplifier  130 . To this end, the Processor  116  delivers control signals to the Bidirectional Amplifier  130  via the Enabler Bus  132 . The control signals are logically arrayed or sorted according to band and channel. In the drawing, the array is written as EN(M,N). EN is shorthand for “enabling array”. M denotes Band M, and N denotes Channel N. Thus, EN(M,N) is the enabling signal for Channel N within Band M. The enabling signal itself has only one of two values, “on” or “off”. If it is “on”, then the Bidirectional Amplifier  130  is operational for Channel N within Band M. If the enabling signal is “off”, then amplification is not required and the amplifier is deactivated. 
     In operation, four enabling signals are communicated. One identifies the band or bands in use at the geographic location of the device. It activates the appropriate devices within the Multi-band Selector  134 . A second signal identifies the channel or channels in use at the geographic location. It activates the appropriate devices within the Multi-channel Selector  136 . A third signal specifies the Gain  170  power output control. The fourth signal actually activates or deactivates the amplifier or amplifiers specific to those band(s) and channel(s) using the On/Off Switch  138 . 
     Thanks to its unique ability to sense geographic location and pertinent attributes, the invention instructs the Bidirectional Amplifier  130  to increase or enhance the duplex communication signals only when necessary. Base Downlink  154  signals are incident upon the Donor Antenna  142 , which in turn is connected to the Bidirectional Amplifier  130  with the Donor Antenna Terminal  140 . Similarly, Base Uplink  152  signals are broadcast from the Donor Antenna  142 , amplified if necessary. Mobile Downlink  150  signals are transmitted from the Rebroadcast Antenna  126 , which is connected to the Bidirectional Amplifier  130  with the Rebroadcast Antenna Terminal  128 . Mobile Uplink  148  signals are incident upon the same Rebroadcast Antenna  126 . Thus, duplex communication between the Mobile Transceiver  146  and the Base Transceiver  156  is amplified only when necessary, preventing interference due to unnecessary or over amplification. 
     The invention may be disabled by activation of the Telemetry Kill Switch  158 . Activation of the Remote Control  168  by an authorized individual will broadcast commands to query and control the invention via the Telemetry Downlink  166 . The Telemetry Uplink  164  provides the Remote Control  168  with the current operational state of the invention and verifies device compliance with any shutdown command received. Instructions relating tof the Telemetry Kill Switch  158  function are communicated to the Processor  116  via bus  160 . 
       FIGS. 2A ,  2 C and  2 D, taken together, are a flowchart description off the software program required to operate the present invention. 
     The flowchart begins with a Start Block  200 . Start Block  200  includes applying power to the device by the user. Start Block  200  then proceeds to Initialize Hardware  202 . Initialize Hardware  202  includes resetting the Processor  116  internal memory  104  registers to pre-determined values, setting certain software timing values to generate serial data baud rates appropriate for serial data communication with the GPS receiver  102 , setting certain software timing values to generate timing signals appropriate for serial data communication with the Memory  104 , and instructing the attribute display to accept command on a 4-bit data bus. 
     Initialize Hardware  202  then proceeds to Uplink Amplifier Off  204 , which then disables the uplink amplifier. 
     Uplink Amplifier Off  204  then proceeds to Update Controls  206 , which outputs the corresponding Status Indicator  120  and Attribute Display  124  information. 
     Update Controls  206  then proceeds to Memory Card Present Decision Block  208 , which determines the physical presence of the Memory  104 . If the Memory  104  is not present, the device will continuously search in the Memory Card Present Decision Block  208  loop for the Memory  104  to be inserted. This search will terminate if either a Memory  104  is inserted or the device is turned off. If the Memory  104  is present, Memory Card Present Decision Block  208  proceeds to GPS Lock Decision Block  210 . 
     If a GPS signal is not being received an interval timer is set and GPS Lock Decision Block  210  then proceeds to Timer Expired Decision Block  212 . Appropriate values for the interval timer associated with the Timer Expired Decision Block  212  range from approximately 30 seconds to 2 minutes and are pre-determined. The purpose of the timer is to allow continued operation in the then existing mode of operation during temporary loss of GPS signals. Such situations occur frequently in parking garages, tunnels, canyons, large urban corridors and similar topographies. 
     If a GPS signal is not being received, the Increment Timer  214  will advance by one second. If the interval timer associated with Timer Expired Decision Block  212  expires, the device will abandon the process  246  of waiting for a GPS signal and proceed to GPS Amp Off  254  block, which will disable the uplink amplifier. GPS Amp Off  254  block then proceeds to the Memory Card Present Decision Block  208 . 
     If a GPS signal is being received, GPS Lock Decision Block  210  then proceeds to the Get GPS Data  216  block, which transfers the GPS Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Date and Time information to the Processor  116 . Get GPS Data  216  then proceeds to Decode GPS Data  218  block which translates the serial data received on the Decoder Bus  112  to values appropriate for further processing by the Processor  116 . Decode GPS Data  218  block then proceeds to GPS Data Valid Decision Block  220  which analyzes the syntax of the information received on the Decoder Bus  112  and determines whether such data is corrupt or malformed. If the GPS data cannot be interpreted, GPS Data Valid Decision Block  220  then proceeds to the Memory Card Present Decision Block  208 . Note that in this case, the then current operational status of the device is not altered. 
     If the GPS data is received without errors, GPS Data Valid Decision Block  220  then proceeds to Decision Block  254 , “Kill Flag Set?”, which determines if the invention previously received a Kill Switch Message command from the Remote Control  168 . If a Kill Switch Message was previously received, the invention will disable Power Amplifier  524  and halt all further operation until the Kill Flag variable is reset by qualified repair personnel. 
     Referring now to Decision Block  254 , “Kill Flag Set?”, if the Kill Flag is not set, then the logic proceeds to  258 , “Telemetry Msg Rcvd?”. If no telemetry message is received, then the program proceeds to Altitude Decision Block  222 . 
     Referring now to Block  258 , “Telemetry Msg. Rcvd”,if a telemetry message is received, then the program proceeds to Block  260 , “Query Msg. Rcvd”. A query message instructs the invention to broadcast its unique identification to the Remote Control  168 . If a valid query message is received, then Block  260  proceeds to Info Block  262 , “Transmit ID” which broadcast the invention&#39;s unique identification to the Remote Control  168  via Telemetry Uplink  164 . The program then proceeds to Altitude Decision Block  222 . 
     Referring now to Block  260 , “Query Msg. Rcvd?”,if no query message is received, then processing continues to Block  264 ,“Suspend Msg. Rcvd?”. A suspend message temporarily disables Power Amplifier  524  while awaiting further instructions to arrive via Telemetry Downlink  166 . If a suspend message is received, then the program proceeds to Block  266 , “Turn Amp Off”, which disables Power Amplifier  524 . The program then proceeds to Block  268 , “Set Timer”, which sets a short duration timer, typically less than five minutes. “Set Timer” determines the maximum amount of time the invention will wait for a command from Remote Control  168  before returning the invention to normal operation. “Set Timer” Block  268  returns to “Telemetry Msg. Rcvd?” Decision Block  258  via page connector # 6 . 
     Referring now to “Suspend Msg. Rcvd?” Decision Block  264 , if the message received is not a Suspend Message, then the program proceeds to Decision Block  272 , “Kill Switch Msg. Rcvd?” If the message received is not a Kill Switch message, then the program returns to Decision Block  258 , “Telemetry Msg. Rcvd” via page connector # 6 . Alternatively, if the message received is a Kill Switch message, then the program proceeds to Block  274 , “Turn Off Amp”, which disables Power Amplifier  524 . The program then proceeds to Block  276 , “Update Controls”, which updates Device Status Indicators  120  and the Attribute Display  124 . The program then proceeds to Block  278 , “Set Kill Flag Block”, which sets the stored kill flag. This stored software variable is available for subsequent testing in Decision Block  254 , “Kill Flag Set?”. The program then proceeds to Block  280 , “Stop”,which disables Power Amplifier  524  and halts all further operation until the Kill Flag variable is reset by authorized repair personnel. 
     Altitude Decision Block  222  where the GPS altitude information is compared to a predetermined value, typically 15,000 feet. If the current GPS-reported altitude is greater than this predetermined value, Altitude Decision Block  222  then proceeds to Altitude Amp Off Block  224  which disables the uplink amplifier, and then onto Update Controls Altitude Off Block  226  which updates the Status Indicator  120  and Attribute Display  124 , and finally, returns program control to Memory Card Present Decision Block  208 . 
     Referring now to Altitude Decision Block  222 , if the GPS-reported altitude is less than the predetermined value, typically 15,000 feet, Altitude Decision Block  222  then proceeds to the Authenticate Block  228 , which verifies that the Memory  104  presently connected to the device is properly authorized for use. 
     Authenticate Block  228  then proceeds to Memory Valid Decision Block  230  which performs certain software security algorithms to determine whether the data files stored in Memory  104  have been pirated. If the Memory Valid Decision Block  230  detects tampering with the Memory  104  data files, Memory Valid Decision Block  230  then proceeds to Memory Amp Off Block  232  which will disable the uplink amplifier. Memory Amp Off Block  232  then proceeds to Update Controls Memory  234  to output the corresponding Status Indicator  120  and Attribute Display  124  information. 
     Referring now to Memory Valid Decision Block  230 , if the data files contained in the Memory  104  pass the software security algorithm and are determined to be authentic, Memory Valid Decision Block  230  then proceeds to Find Base Map Record  236 . 
     Search Base Map Records  236  searches the Memory  104  for a record matching the then current latitude and longitude data as retrieved from the GPS Receiver  102 . Search Base Map Records  236  then proceeds to Match Found Decision Block  238 . If a record matching the then current latitude and longitude data  395  can not be located within the Memory  104 , Match Found Decision Block  238  then proceeds to Match Amp Off Block  250  which disables the uplink amplifier. Match Amp Off Block  250  then proceeds to Update Controls Match  252  which outputs the corresponding Status Indicator  120  and Attribute Display  124  information. 
     Referring now to Match Found Decision Block  238 , if a record matching the then current latitude and longitude data is located within the Memory  104 , Match Found Decision Block  238  then proceeds to Data Encrypted Decision Block  240 . The Data Encryption Data Block determines whether the matching record retrieved from Memory  104  is encrypted or encoded as a further security measure. If Data Encryption Data Block determines that the matching record is encrypted or encoded, Data Encryption Data Block then proceeds to Decryption  244 , where the data is unencrypted or un-encoded, as needed. Decryption  244  then proceeds to Process  246 . 
     If the Data Encryption Data Block determines that the matching record is not encrypted or encoded, Data Encryption Data Block then proceeds to Pass String  242 , which accepts the Memory  104  record “as-is”. Pass String  242  then proceeds to Process  246 . 
     Process  246  enables or disables all possible combinations of M-bands and N-channels as determined by attribute data stored in the Memory  104  for the then current unique latitude and longitude position. In the event no M-bands are enabled in the attribute data associated with the then current unique latitude and longitude position, the uplink amplifier is disabled accordingly. Process  246  Block then proceeds to Update Controls OK  248  which outputs the corresponding Status Indicator  120  and Attribute Display  124  information. 
       FIG. 3  is a more detailed view of part of the invention, showing a block diagram for a preferred embodiment, focusing on how of the Bidirectional Amplifier  130  is selectively activated or deactivated according to the attributes retrieved from the Memory  104 . The enabling signal E(M,N) for Channel N within Band M is communicated to the Multi-band Selector  134 , Multi-channel Selector  136 , and On/Off Switch  138  within the Bidirectional Amplifier  130 . From there, the signal is routed to a specialized amplifier for the selected band. For example, if an amplifier for Band  1  is to be activated or deactivated, then the signal is directed to the Band  1  Uplink Amplifier  304 . More generally, if an amplifier for Band M is to be activated or deactivated, then the signal is directed to the Band M Uplink Amplifier  328 . No instructions are required by the Band  1  Downlink Amplifier  318  or by the Band M Downlink Amplifier  342 . They are on continuously because we are only concerned with preventing interference by uplink signals that are unnecessarily amplified. 
     It is seen that the main configurations in the block diagram are repeated for each of M bands. For example, in Band  1 , the Band  1  Uplink Amplifier  304  is connected to two duplexers. It is connected to the Band  1  Donor Duplexer  312  by connecting to the Band  1  Uplink Amplifier Output Terminal  308  to the Band  1  Donor Duplexer Input Terminal  310 . It is connected to the Band  1  Rebroadcast Duplexer  300  by connecting the Band  1  Uplink Amplifier Input Terminal  306  to the Band  1  Rebroadcast Duplexer Output Terminal  302 . Similarly, the Band  1  Downlink Amplifier  318  is connected to the duplexers via the Band  1  Downlink Amplifier  318  Input Terminal  320  and the Band  1  Downlink Amplifier  318  Output Terminal  316 , which are connected to the Band  1  Donor Duplexer Output Terminal  322  and Band  1  Rebroadcast Duplexer Input Terminal  314 , respectively. 
     Repeating the configuration seen for Band  1 , more generally, the Band M Uplink Amplifier  328  is connected to the Band M Donor Duplexer  336  by connecting the Band M Uplink Amplifier Output Terminal  332  to the Band M Donor Duplexer  336  Input Terminal  334 . It is connected to the Band M Rebroadcast Duplexer  324  by connecting the Band M Uplink Amplifier Input Terminal  330  to the Band M Rebroadcast Duplexer Output Terminal  326 . Similarly, for the Band M Downlink Amplifier  342 , the Band M Downlink Amplifier  342  Input Terminal  344  is connected to the Band M Donor Duplexer  336  Output Terminal  346 ; and the Band M Downlink Amplifier  342  Output Terminal is connected to the Band M Rebroadcast Duplexer Input Terminal  338 . 
     All of the duplexers are connected directly to antennas. In general, the Band M Donor Duplexer  336  is connected to the Donor Antenna  142  via a port called the Band M Donor Duplexer  336  Antenna Connection  348 . Similarly, the Band M Rebroadcast Duplexer  324  is connected the Rebroadcast Antenna  126  via a port called the Band M Rebroadcast Duplexer Antenna Connection  350 . 
     With the above described combinations of amplifiers, duplexers, and antennas, the invention is capable of providing selective amplification in multiple bands, and for multiple channels within each band. 
       FIG. 4  is a more detailed circuit schematic of the band selection block diagram, showing a preferred embodiment of how amplifiers for specific channels within each band are selectively activated or deactivated. The amplifiers are active filters with gain. The filters are tuned to the channel and band that are selected in response to the attributes retrieved from the Memory  104 . 
     It is seen that, in operation, signals from the Mobile Transceiver  146  that are in Channel  1  of Band  1  are incident upon the Rebroadcast Antenna  126 . From there, the signals are routed by the Channel  1  Rebroadcast Duplexer into the Channel  1  Uplink Amplifier Input Resistor  400 , and from there into the Channel  1  Uplink Amplifier Input Terminal  1   402 . The Channel  1  Uplink Amplifier Input Terminal  2   410  is at ground potential. The feedback loop of the uplink amplifier includes principally the Channel  1  Resonant Stub  408  which is a very high reactive impedance at the channel and band of interest, thus providing gain, but only if the enabling signal EN( 1 , 1 ) is “on”. The resonant stub connected as a series circuit element along the feedback loop via Channel  1  Resonant Stub Terminal  1   404  and Channel  1  Resonant Stub Terminal  2   406 . The amplified signals are directed to the Band  1  Summing Amplifier  508  Input Terminal  442  via the Channel  1  Uplink Output Terminal  414 . 
     Downlink signals from the Base Transceiver  156  are routed into the Channel  1  Downlink Amplifier Input Resistor  418 , and from there into the Channel  1  Downlink Amplifier Input Terminal  1 . The Channel  1  Downlink Amplifier Input Terminal  2  is at ground potential. Gain is determined by the Channel  1  Downlink Amplifier Feedback Resistor  416  in the feedback loop. 
     More generally, signals from the Mobile Transceiver  146  that are in Channel N of Band  1  are routed to the Channel N Uplink Amplifier Input Resistor  422 , and from there to the Channel N Uplink Amplifier Input Terminal  1   430 . The Channel N Uplink Amplifier Input Terminal  2   434  is at ground potential. The Channel N Uplink Amplifier  436  is an active filter. The filter is tuned to the Band  1  Channel N frequency by the Channel N Uplink Amplifier  436  Resonant Stub. This resonant stub is connected as a series circuit element within the feedback loop via Channel N Resonant Stub  428  Terminal  1   424  and Channel N Resonant Stub  428  Terminal  2   426 . The amplifier itself is activated or deactivated by the enabling signal EN( 1 ,N) via the Channel N Uplink Amplifier Enabling Bus  432 . The output of the amplifier is routed to the Band  1  Summing Amplifier  508  Input Terminal  442  via the Channel N Uplink Amplifier Output Terminal  438 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a circuit diagram showing the summing and power amplifiers of the preferred embodiment. For each band, it is seen that the outputs from all channel amplifiers are directed into input resistors. For example, the output from the Band  1  Channel  1  Uplink Amplifier  304  is directed into the Channel  1  Input Resistor to Band  1  Summing Amplifier  500 . More generally, the output from the Band  1  Channel N Uplink Amplifier is directed into the Channel N Input Resistor to Band  1  Summing Amplifier  502 . The signals are then combined at the Band  1  Summing Amplifier Summing Node  504 , and from there routed into the Band  1  Summing Amplifier Input Terminal  1   510 . The Band  1  Summing Amplifier Input Terminal  2   512  is at ground potential. The gain of the Band  1  Summing Amplifier  508  is determined by the Band  1  Summing Amplifier Feedback Resistor  506 . 
     The amplified, summed signals from all channels in Band  1  appear at the Band  1  Summing Amplifier Output Terminal  514 . They are routed through a high pass filter, consisting essentially of a Band  1  High-pass Filter Capacitor  516  and a Band  1  High-pass Filter Resistor  518 , to the Band  1  Power Amplifier Input Terminal  520 . The Band  1  Power Amplifier  522  provides the final stage of signal gain as determined by control Gain  170 , and the final, amplified signal appears at the Band  1  Power Amplifier Output Terminal  524 . This signal is routed through the Band  1  Donor Duplexer  312 , and from there to the Donor Antenna  142  for transmission to the Base Transceiver  156 . Thus, selective amplification of weak communications signals has been accomplished. 
       FIGS. 6B ,  6 C,  6 D,  6 E,  6 G and  6 H, taken together, are a schematic view of a microcontroller circuit used in the preferred embodiment. 
     A Voltage Regulator  608  is provided to step down an unregulated voltage present at the Unregulated Voltage Output Terminal  602  to a Regulated Voltage Output  616  of at least 750 milliamps at a direct current voltage of 3.3 volts. A Fuse  600  is provided in series with the Voltage Regulator Voltage Input Terminal  618  to protect against over-current conditions. The Voltage Regulator  608  is a switch-mode design and requires a Voltage Regulator Control Resistor  604 , a Voltage Regulator Flyback Coil  610 , a Voltage Regulator Diode  612 , and a Voltage Regulator Capacitor  614  for proper operation. This voltage regulator  608  is available from many manufacturers including National Semiconductor, Micrel Inc., and ON Semiconductors, having part numbers LM2575T-3.3/NOPB, LM2575-3.3BT, and LM2575T-3.3G respectively. An electrical ground is continuously applied to the Voltage Regulator Control Input Terminal  606  that shall cause the Voltage Regulator  608  to operate at all times. The Voltage Regulator Feedback Input Terminal  620  constantly senses the Regulated Output Voltage and provides an error adjustment internal to the Voltage Regulator  608  to compensate for any changes in the Regulated Voltage Output  616 . The Unregulated Voltage Output Terminal  602  also supplies power to the Bidirectional Amplifier  130 . 
     LEDs are used to alert the user to the device&#39;s operational status. The Power On LED  624  is illuminated whenever the device is powered and extinguished otherwise. The GPS Lock LED  626  is illuminated when a signal is available from the Global Positioning Satellite network and extinguished otherwise. The Amplifier ON LED  628  is illuminated when the Bidirectional Amplifier  130  is actively amplifying any band or channel, and extinguished otherwise. The Map Inhibit LED  630  is illuminated when the Bidirectional Amplifier  130  is disabled in accordance with the attributes associated with latitude/longitude pairs retrieved from Memory  104 . All LED indicators  144  are interfaced to the Processor  116  using an Opto-Isolator  622 . 
     The Processor  116  communicates with the GPS Receiver  102  using a serial data link conforming to the Electronics Industry Association Recommended Standard  232  for serial binary data communications. This serial data link uses a Serial Transmitted Data  642  connection for processor  116  to GPS Receiver  102  communication and a Serial Received Data  644  connection for GPS Receiver  102  to Processor  116  communication. A GPS Antenna  100  is connected to the GPS Antenna Terminal  646  on the GPS Receiver  102 . 
     An output Relay  654  is used to optionally provide power to the Bidirectional Amplifier  130 . This Relay  654  is controlled by the Processor  116  and requires the use of a Relay Driver Input Resistor  648  and Relay Driver Transistor  650  configured in a common-emitter mode to increase the current available to the Relay  654  coil. The secondary of the Relay  654  provides a Relay Common Contact  656  and a Relay Normally Open Contact  658 , together forming a Form-A switch. This Form-A switch is then used to connect the Unregulated Voltage Output Terminal  602  to the Bidirectional Amplifier  130  power connector. A Relay Driver Diode  652  is used to protect the rest of the circuit from excessive voltage spikes generated when the Relay  654  disengages. 
     The Processor  116  is an 8-bit microcontroller such as the Atmel AT89S8253-24PC or similar device. A Bypass Capacitor  634  is used to filter the 3.3 volt DC supply to the Processor  116 . The Processor  116  is reset automatically on device power-up and can be manually reset using the Form-A User Reset Switch  668  connected to an RC timing circuit consisting of a Reset Capacitor  664  and a Reset Resistor  666 . The time constant of this RC timing circuit shall be approximately 250 milliseconds. A logic level high on the Processor  116  reset pin will reset the Processor  116 . The Processor  116  is clocked by an internal oscillator derived from the Oscillator Crystal  674 . Oscillator Capacitor  1   670  and Oscillator Capacitor  2   672  provide enough capacitance to the Processor  116  internal oscillator to guarantee rapid start-up. 
     Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
     Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.